Raphe Brown knows he has to maintain his early-season form at Maidstone, with Noah Chesmain breathing down his neck.

Youngster Brown has been one of United’s top performers so far after jumping up two levels from Isthmian South East following a trial.

He had a clear run at the left-back slot in the opening weeks but Chesmain has recovered from injury and is ready to stake his claim after an impressive debut season at the Gallagher.

Both players scored against Hemel on Saturday with Brown giving the Stones a 2-0 lead and late substitute Chesmain sealing a 4-1 victory.

Manager Hakan Hayrettin is fortunate to have two good attacking left-backs and Brown, who played for VCD last season, welcomes the competition.

He said: “I was playing where and when I could in the friendlies and then Noah got injured near the start of the season.

“I’ve done well but I’ve got to keep it up if I want to keep the shirt but it’s good to have that squad depth.

“I want it to be my shirt, I’d love it to be my shirt, but as long as the team are winning, I’m happy.

“If everyone’s doing well we’re going to flourish. It’s a great club and they’ve welcomed me with open arms.”

Brown broke into senior football under former Maidstone favourite Nick Davis at Sittingbourne.

He joined Herne Bay from there, followed by a season at VCD.

Bay announced Brown had rejoined them for 2020/21, before the chance to go on trial at Maidstone came up.

It was one he couldn’t turn down and he’s adapted well to National South football, fitting his job in digital marketing around daytime training.

He said: “I was playing for the under-21s at Sittingbourne and trying to break into the first team but I was kind of too young and a bit lightweight back then.

“I’ve grown a lot since then, I’ve matured and my body has grown a lot, so that’s helped me.

“I played near-enough every game in my breakthrough season at Herne Bay and had last year at VCD, which put me to Maidstone.

“Trials are tricky because you’re trying to impress in a short space of time and you’ve got to show everything you’re good at.

“They want quality but Hak’s about mentality more than skill. It’s how you approach games, your preparation and work rate.

“There’s not a massive difference between the leagues. I’d say the intensity is the biggest thing because the games are quicker and they expect more of you because you’re basically a professional footballer.

“I like to get up and down and it felt good to get that goal. I bombed on, Luque put me in and it opened up for me. I was in the right place at the right time.”

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